The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-04-02
A MONEY TRANSACTION.
"A Judicial Combination of Love
and Business.

"a LADY," exclaimed Mr. Lazarus, in
stinctiyely glancing at his plump, over
dressed person in the mirror opposite.
Eyes, sir; an elderly lady. Won't give
her name, sir" replied his clerk.
''What kind Of LADY," inquired Mr.. Laza-
rus lowering his voice.
"A tip-topper. Left her carriage at the
end of the street." said the clerk in an orac-
ular tone
every well. Show the lady in" said Mr.
Lazarus, seating himself in his armchair,
and settling his crayat.
He took up pen as his clerk left the room
and bent over an unfinished letter which lay
upon the desk. Lifting his eyes steahhily,
without turning his head, he presently saw
in the mirror the reflection of fashionablv
dressed gray-haired lady whose dignifed
bearing and calm self-possession caused
him to assume deferential tone and man
7ler
Pardon me. my lady" he exclaimed,
rising at the sound of the closing of the
door, and bowling profoundly. ''Pray take
a chair
''Do you know who [ ann" inquired his
visitor, scrutini2ing him calmly through a
pair of gold pince-nez glasses with an
amused smile upon her lips
Il can't say do ma'am," said Mr.. Laza-
rus, somewhat embarrassed. my clerk
said you would not give your namen
oh! 1t was guess, them" said the old
lady, subslding into the clients chair, with
out removing her glasses, which she con-
tiuued TO hold poised III her well-gloved
hand. 'You are Mr.. Lazarus, the money
Gender, suppose?N
AT your service, my lady" said Mr.
Lazarus with mental reservation that his
proper description was financial agent; but
not venturing to insist upon the fact.
clam the Lady Gertrude Alwyn.n
'The wife of General Alwyn!" said Mr.
Lazarus, with bow.
And the mother of Captain Spencer AL
wyn," added Lady Gertrude, meaningly.
80. indeed" said Mr. Lazarus, bowling
again.
He coughed nervously behind his hand
however, for he was rather startled at
learning who his visitor was. Captain
Spencer Alwyn was Il client regarding
whom he was meditating the most extreme
measures. The prospect of an interview
with his clients mother was by no means
agreeable to Mr.. Lazarus, especially as the
old iadys manner inspired him with mis-
givings Being perfectly well acquainted
with the circumstances Of Captain Alwyn's
parents, he knew that they were not the
least likely to discharge their sons debt.
If he had realized this twelvemonth ago,
nc could have spared himself good deal of
anxiety. But the discovery of General AL
wyu's chronic impecuniosity had come too
late.
81 was delighted, Mr.. Lazarus, to hear
that my son was in your hands," said Lady
Gertrude, graciously.
at was very polite of your Ladyship to
say So" replied Mr.. Lazarus, shortly, I'M
der the impression that tho implied com
pliment was the prelude to an appeal for
mercy,
II don't mean any thing personal" said
Lady Gertrude, with light laugh, which
made Mr.. Lazarus turn red, Though | have
10 doubt you are a most respecta ble-money
lender"
Business is business, of course; but |
always treat gentlemen rs such" said Mr..
lazarus, falling back on one of his cant
phrases in his confusion and perplexi.y.
mo doubt; but what | meant was that /
was so delighted that my son was in pecu-
MARY difficulties said Lady Gertrude,
still smiling.
II don't quite understand your Lady
SiiPf Ssholtl MI AadAhi u0- DpCL-lhuuJlcu'
Knowing as you do, Mr.. Lazarus, that
my poor husband and | lave been obliged,
all our lives, TO exercise the most rigid
economy TO keep up our position IN society
'I'm sure. your Ladyship -" protested
Mr.. Lazarus, rather eagerly.
1'Well, whether You know it or not, it is
unhappily the fact said Lady Gertrude
calmly.
II wasn't aware of it, said Mr. Lazarus
anbiushingly.
Il was saying cop\inued Lady Ger
trude, serenely Indifferent to the money
leaders protestations, that as have had
such bitter experience pecuuiary worries
it may sound unnatural in me to express
satisfaction at my sons present difficulties
Il don't know how he is going to get ou
OF em, and that's u fact your Ladyship
said Mr.. Lazarus, darkly.
"Ah! well, that brings me to the object
of my visit" observed Lady Gertrude, lean
ing back in her chair: "How much doc
sny son owe yot'
II really don think that am justified
-" began Mr.. Lazarus.
Chow much," interrupted Lady Ger
trade, impatiently
Mr.. Lazarus abruptly named the figure
at which Lady Gertrude raised her eye
brows, and vas silent for few moments
THAT includes interest, of course:n sh
remarked, presently, again surveying Nh
Lazarus through her glasses.
Moderate Interest," acquesced Mr.
Lazarus, rather shamcfacedly.
II suppose it rs all right. Anyhow, tina
- matter between you and my son. Now
Mr. Lazarus" continued Lady Gertrude
assuming a confidential tone, show do yo
expect to get paid!'
''l'hat IS your sons affair, my Lady, sal
Nc. Lazarus, brskly. ''He will have =